Adjustable Waist Frame for Walking Assistance Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking assistance apparatuses are not adequately designed to provide efficient support and adjustability for users with varying body sizes and types, particularly for elderly individuals and those with joint problems, while also being lightweight and durable.
Innovation Solution
A walking assistance apparatus featuring a rear support, a driver module for hip joint assistance, a thigh support, and a waist frame with adjustable shafts and components that include a driving source, electrical components, and a cable system, allowing for adjustable horizontal and vertical positioning to accommodate different user sizes and provide effective torque distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the walking assistance apparatus uses a fixed structure to provide stable support, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different user sizes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable shafts that can be positioned at different horizontal and vertical intervals, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic, adaptable configuration. This allows the apparatus to maintain stability for each user while adapting to different body sizes through reconfigurable support positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The waist frame is divided into separate adjustable components (shafts, rear support, driver module) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation enables flexible configuration to match different user anatomies while maintaining overall structural stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus includes multiple adjustable components to accommodate different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shafts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable positioning adjustments for different users, and facilitate cable routing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rear support, driver module, and shafts into an integrated waist frame assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate adjustable elements, while still achieving adaptability through the adjustable shaft positioning.
3Strength
If the shafts are made rigid to provide strong support, then strength is improved, but adaptability to different positions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shafts are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities that maintain rigidity in their set positions while allowing reconfiguration between different positions. This dynamic adjustability enables the rigid shafts to adapt to different user requirements without compromising support strength.
4Weight of moving object
If the apparatus is designed to be lightweight for user comfort, then weight is improved, but durability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction in the waist frame and shafts, combining materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the apparatus to remain lightweight for user comfort while maintaining durability through the inherent strength properties of the composite materials.
Data Source
AI summary
A walking assistance apparatus includes a rear support module configured to support a rear portion of a waist of a user, a driving module configured to provide a power to assist a motion of a hip joint of the user, a thigh support connected to the driving module, the thigh support configured to support a thigh of the user, and a waist frame including a pair of shafts configured to connect the rear support module and the driving module.